Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool FC could be ready to welcome back more than a few Liverpool loanees this January. James McConnell’s premature Ajax return has been rubber-stamped by manager Fred Grim, who confirmed the termination of the midfielder’s loan deal. The 21-year-old struggled for game time in Amsterdam, managing just 219 minutes across seven appearances before being frozen out entirely following Grim’s appointment. With both clubs in agreement, the administrative formalities are the only hurdle remaining before McConnell officially returns to Merseyside.
“By agreement between both clubs, he has returned to Liverpool. There are still some administrative procedures to be completed, and then it will be final,” Grim stated.
Harvey Elliott’s predicament at Aston Villa, however, presents a far more complex situation. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since October, with Unai Emery openly admitting Villa decided two months ago against triggering the £35 million obligation-to-buy clause. Yet a return to Anfield has not been scheduled or even discussed between the clubs. Liverpool reportedly hold no recall clause in the agreement, meaning the entire deal would need unwinding—potentially with financial penalties for Villa
However, another youngster in Lewis Koumas could be returning to Anfield by his own admission. Koumas has been restricted to just five starts in 22 Championship appearances for Birmingham City, scoring only one goal. It has led to suggestions he could return, with the 20-year-old revealing that he has had talks with Liverpool about a potential return:
“We’ve obviously had conversations (with Liverpool) but I’m keeping my head down, working hard and we’ll see what happen,” Koumas told BirminghamLive. “Getting a goal, especially against a team like Coventry, boosts your confidence instantly. Me being a confidence player, I need that to go and perform freely without any sort of pressure on my back.”
“Last year I played 49 games and started a big majority of them,” said Koumas. “It’s been a different start this year but whenever I get put in I’m ready to give my best.”
“I really like the gaffer. He sees my attributes well. We spoke about it before I came in and I’ve been working hard in training for months and months now, just so I’m ready when I go on the pitch.”
Koumas scored on his Liverpool debut against Southampton in February 2024 and enjoyed a productive loan at Stoke last season with six goals.
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